Do I Need Professional Teeth Cleaning?

“I brush my teeth twice a day and floss once daily. Do I need professional teeth cleaning?”

Our dentist hears this question quite often, especially from busy patients who don’t want to spend any more time in a dentist’s chair than they have to.

While many of our patients do take very good care of their teeth, everyone can benefit from professional teeth cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist. Brushing and flossing can remove the plaque and cavity-causing bacteria that build up on your teeth, but it cannot always remove all of plaque. In time, plaque can harden into tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove.

Crusty deposits of tartar make it difficult to remove plaque and bacteria. Plaque and tarter can also destroy the hard enamel the layer of teeth, which can, in turn, lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Tartar and bacteria below the gum line can cause serious gum disease and even tooth loss. Tartar, bacteria, plaque, gum disease and tooth decay can also give you bad breath. Gum disease can even increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

While brushing and flossing is important, they cannot remove plaque and tartar as well as professional teeth cleaning. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use tools unavailable to you, such as a scaler, to remove plaque and tartar before they cause problems. Your dental health professional also uses special techniques to clean in between your teeth and in those hard-to-reach spots at the back of your mouth.

Professional dental cleanings also make your teeth look and feel their best. During professional teeth cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist cleans your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and special gritty toothpaste, which removes tartar and polishes your pearly whites. Professional teeth cleanings also freshen your breath and brighten your smile.

Finally, your dentist or dental hygienist can detect hidden dental problems during your teeth cleaning. Early detection and treatment of common dental issues typically lead to better outcomes.

You need professional teeth cleaning for a variety of reasons, from improving your oral health to giving you a great smile. For more information on the importance of professional teeth cleaning, contact Evanko Dental Group of Medina.